Piano Lessons in Wauconda, IL

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar

I love to teach my students the basic tools of what it takes to be a professional musician, whether or not they are into music as a hobby or as a serious profession. I currently play drums for the hit Broadway musical (non-union version) of Rock of Ages and when I'm not on the road; I'm teaching. I’m an avid columnist for Modern Drummer Magazine and I sing/play guitar for one of Chicago's best Nirvana tributes called Smells Like Nirvana. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Keyboard

PIANO: For beginners who are children, I usually start with the Alfred's Music for Little Mozart's series of 4 levels. After that, students can graduate to the Alfred's upper level book series, which includes theory and practical playing books as well as fun solo and popular music books leveled specifically for them. I also find the Fingerpower series userful as a supplement, and I make sure to work on scales once students have attained a basic mastery of the keyboard and various hand positions. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Saxophone Clarinet Recorder Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I am goofy kind of gal who is a kid at heart so, while I do not allow the students to goof-off during practice, I definitely encourage the children to have fun and take breaks. Learning a new skill is taxing on the brain so I do enjoy inserting some brain-breaks here and there, when necessary. I'm also a very big sticker advocate! Most children enjoy them, and I love rewarding them after completing a song we've been working on. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Viola Saxophone

Every student is unique. Therefore, a student's learning process should complement that uniqueness. I like to take time to figure out exactly what "speaks" to a student. What really works for some is completely lost on others. I tailor my instruction to their wants and needs, and take close note of the activities to which they respond well. In doing so, the student meets their goals in a quicker and more enjoyable way. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Bass Guitar Synthesizer French Horn

For the past 20 years, I've studied and performed with keyboards, guitars and woodwind instruments while exploring a very wide variety of music ranging from classical and rock to jazz and avant-garde. Expanding and sharing that knowledge with other people in a helpful and friendly manner is something that I consummately enjoy- especially if they're beginning where I once was. My education includes a Bachelor of Music in Music Composition from DePaul University, and I've been working on my Music Education Certificate at UMSL since August 2014. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Electric Guitar

My teaching style is that I set a plan for every student I have. For instance, I will apply reading notes, but that will not work for each student, each student is different and would prefer another style of teaching. That's when i would test their own level of memorization. I would teach each student chord structure of memorizing maximum 2 chords. Once each student fully has the 2 chords memorized I would hand them a sheet of paper, giving them instructions on top of the paper, stating Now that you have mastered memorizing the chords I would want you to come up with a small melody by building a staff with a time signature and writing the notes on the sheet of paper. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music Keyboard

Beginning students will start out with technique practices, while introducing solo literature when appropriate. Technique studies can always be improved and studied, no matter a student's age or proficiency. I try to work within the repertoire a student is interested in at first, then expanding to materials and genres the student may find interesting to help broaden the experience and knowledge a student can gain from our lessons. No matter the age or ability level, I help students understand that each lesson and new idea or piece we learn adds to their experience, and experiences are building blocks for our futures. Read More